Singular or Plural Table Names in T-SQL: Which is Best for Database Design?

T-SQL Table Naming: Singular vs. Plural – A Design Dilemma

Academic conventions often suggest singular table names, but this can clash with T-SQL's bracket requirements. Let's weigh the pros and cons.

Case for Singular Table Names:

• Data Representation: A table represents the type of data, not its quantity. "User" accurately reflects a single user record, unlike "Users."
• Consistency and Simplicity: Singular naming is easier to maintain and avoids the need to manage singular/plural variations.
• Improved Readability: In master-detail relationships (e.g., "Order" and "OrderDetail"), singular names enhance clarity and visual organization.
• Internationalization: Singular names are often more readily understood by non-English speakers.

Case for Plural Table Names:

• Established Practice: Plural names have a long history in T-SQL and other database systems.
• Intuitive Understanding: Some find singular names less intuitive when referring to a collection of records.

The Verdict:

While ultimately a matter of personal preference, the arguments strongly support singular table names. Their conceptual accuracy, consistency, and improved readability outweigh the minor inconvenience of potentially needing square brackets in some T-SQL contexts. Prioritizing clarity and maintainability makes singular naming the recommended approach for database design.

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